An enterprise messaging system (EMS) is a system that allows for software and systems to communicate with each other and allows for precise messages to be sent to and fro throughout a business. Unlike a chat room or telephone call, the messages usually consist of asynchronous data rather than in real time, and can include reports and other forms of data. The messages are sent to another application and stored into a queue in the other application until it is processed at a later date.
EMS may be used to describe human-to-human message systems such as email, fax and SMS, but EMS messages are designed to be received by the applications of the enterprise and not humans. The message is logged and records the progress towards the aims and objectives of each project it is being used for.
Using XML messaging, SOAP and web services to facilitate enterprise messaging, the main criteria that has to be met by the system is as follows:
- Policy: A centralised policy of messages allowing different classes or responsibilities of users to access appropriate messages.
- Security: To ensure the security of messages that travel over the public facilities, messages have to be encrypted and authenticated or digitally signed.
- Routing: Messages must be efficiently routed; and intermediate nodes are used if the body is encrypted.
- Subscription Systems: The systems should have the ability to subscribe to any messages matching a specific pattern and differing content messages should have different type of routing, such as meeting different security or priority policies.
- Metadata: Body of message must be clear-cut and use metadata archives for each data section.
In most cases, EMS messages are set in two sections: Message header and message body. The header design includes the data necessary to send it to the node it needs to head to. It is similar to sending a letter with a name, address and post code. It will arrive in good time if you include all the correct information. The message body needs to contain all the relevant information and are aided by a precise data dictionary documenting metadata, which is data about one or several aspects of the data such as means of creation, the purpose and the time and data of the creation of the information.
The benefits of an Enterprise Messaging System are simple: Time and money are essential to businesses in these tough financial times, and an EMS operates in a cost-effective way, with plenty of features that provide flexibility, customisation and can be used to develop additional revenue generating services including call recording, call conferencing, speaking clock and missed call notification. It can help save money too by reducing expenses because of the automatic mailbox delivery and the fact that there is no per user license fee. Depending on the size of your business, the EMS can grow to suit too, as it is scalable from just a few lines to thousands. An enhanced user experience can only help your business grow and ensure that customers will benefit from your businesses improved systems.
Katie Matthews is the Technical Manager with C3, a highly regarded telecommunications specialist in Cambridge. Katie works on a range of products, including Apcentia Network Messaging, PCI Compliant Payment Solutions/ Services and Fusion IVR. Katies has been involved in technical writing, case studies and market analysis for a number of years.
